Learn How to Select Lab Grown Diamond

Beyon Diamond Education

Lab-Grown Diamonds: The 4Cs + IGI Certification

Choosing a lab-grown diamond should feel simple. Here’s a clear, detailed guide to the 4Cs—plus how certification works at Beyon Diamond.

1.00 ct+ IGI Certified Below 1.00 ct: D–F / VS–VVS Focus on Excellent Quality

1) Cut (Sparkle & brilliance)

Cut is about sparkle—not shape. It describes how well a diamond’s proportions and facets return light to your eyes. A better cut usually makes a diamond look brighter and more “alive.”

Cut Grade
What you’ll typically see
Excellent
Maximum light return; best sparkle and brilliance.
Very Good
Strong performance; differences from Excellent are subtle.
Good
Looks fine, but less lively compared with higher grades.
Fair / Poor
Noticeable light leakage; can look dull or glassy.

Tip: If you want the most visual “wow,” prioritize cut first.

2) Color (How white it looks)

Diamond color is graded from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable tint). The higher the grade, the whiter and cleaner the diamond appears—especially in bright lighting.

Color Range
What it means
D–F
Colorless; crisp, bright white appearance.
G–H
Near colorless; slight warmth that’s usually hard to notice once set.
I–J
Faint warmth; may be noticeable when compared side-by-side.
K–Z
Visible tint; looks warmer/yellower in most settings.

Tip: For a bright, clean look, D–F is the “safe zone,” especially for white metals.

3) Clarity (How clean it looks)

Clarity measures tiny characteristics (inclusions/blemishes). Many are only visible under magnification. Higher clarity typically looks cleaner and can improve light performance.

Clarity Grade
What it means in real life
FL / IF
Extremely rare; no visible inclusions at 10× magnification (or none internally).
VVS1–VVS2
Tiny inclusions that are very hard to see even at 10×; very “clean.”
VS1–VS2
Minor inclusions; typically eye-clean and an excellent value.
SI1–SI2
Inclusions may be visible depending on type/placement; inspect carefully.
I1–I3
Noticeable inclusions; can affect beauty and durability.

Tip: VS–VVS is a sweet spot for a clean look without overpaying.

4) Carat (Weight & size)

Carat is the diamond’s weight. Two diamonds with the same carat can look different in size depending on cut and shape.

  • Cut affects size: A well-cut diamond can look larger than a poorly cut one.
  • Shape changes “face-up” size: Oval, marquise, and pear often look larger than rounds at the same carat.
  • Balance matters: Slightly smaller carat + better cut often looks more impressive.

Tip: If your budget is fixed, prioritize cut, then color/clarity, then carat.

What Is an IGI Certificate?

IGI (International Gemological Institute) is one of the most widely used grading labs for lab-grown diamonds. An IGI report documents key details like cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and measurements—so you know exactly what you’re buying.

What the report includes

  • Carat weight + measurements
  • Color + clarity grades
  • Cut grade (when applicable), polish & symmetry
  • Proportions and other identifying details
  • Verification that the diamond is lab-grown

Beyon Diamond Standard

1.00 ct and above
IGI certified
Below 1.00 ct
D–F color, VS–VVS clarity, Excellent-quality lab-grown diamonds

Why It Matters

Cut drives sparkle

Cut quality has the biggest impact on how bright and lively your diamond looks.

Color & clarity keep it clean

Higher grades help the diamond look whiter and clearer in everyday lighting.

Certification builds trust

IGI documentation provides third-party confirmation of key specifications.